System and method for providing a container

ABSTRACT

A novelty container. The container may comprise a storage area and at least one closure that is configured to provide access to the storage area. The closure may have instructions instructing or implying the opening of the closure for a novelty purpose. The container also may have a mirror having at least one reflective face enclosed within the storage area. The reflective face of the mirror is positioned to reflect at least a part of a face of an individual that opens the closure of the container. In one embodiment, the novelty purpose is satisfied when an individual views a reflection of the individual in the mirror.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to containers. More particularly, thefield of the invention relates to small novelty containers.

2. Description of the Related Art

Novelty containers can be small boxes that have decorated exteriors. Thecontainers may be made of materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. Thecontainer typically has four walls, a bottom, and a closure, which maybe removable or hinged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment includes a novelty container. The container may comprisea storage area and at least one closure that is configured to provideaccess to the storage area. The closure may have instructionsinstructing or inferring the opening of the closure for a noveltypurpose. The container also may have a mirror having at least onereflective face enclosed within the storage area. The reflective face ofthe mirror is positioned to reflect at least a part of a face of anindividual that opens the closure of the container. In one embodiment,the novelty purpose is satisfied when an individual views a reflectionof the individual in the mirror.

Another embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a noveltycontainer. The method comprises: providing a container having a closure;providing a reflective surface to a bottom of the novelty container; andproviding instructions on the closure, the instructions requesting orimplying the opening of a closure for a novelty purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a container.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another container.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another container.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a individual viewing herself in thecontainer of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specificembodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied ina multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims.

One embodiment includes a novelty container. The container may comprisea storage area and at least one closure that is configured to provideaccess to the storage area. The closure may be removably attached to thecontainer or, alternatively attached via a hinge or other connectionmechanism. In one embodiment, the storage area comprises four walls anda bottom. The closure may have instructions instructing or implying theopening of the closure for a novelty purpose. Exemplary instructionsinclude: “Look Inside And You Will Find A Most Beautiful Sight” and“Look Inside And You Will Find The Secret To Your Success.” Thecontainer also may have a mirror having at least one reflective faceenclosed within the storage area. The reflective face of the mirror ispositioned to reflect at least a part of a face of an individual thatopens the closure of the container. In one embodiment, the noveltypurpose is satisfied when an individual views a reflection of theindividual in the mirror. In another embodiment, the container has amotivational expression having a hidden meaning. An exemplarymotivational expression includes “Who is the Fairest One of All.” Thehidden meaning of the motivational expression is revealed when theindividual views a reflection of the individual in the mirror. In lieuof a mirror, in one embodiment, the bottom of the storage area may havea coated reflective surface.

From a top plan view, the shape of the container may be other thansquare, e.g., round, rectangular, triangular, octagonal, etc.Furthermore, the container may include at the discretion of themanufacturer more than one mirror. In one embodiment, the mirror ismated with the bottom of the storage area at an angle.

The size of the container can vary. In one embodiment, the size of thecontainer is two inches by one inch at the base and one inch in height.In another embodiment, the size of the container is four inches by fourinches at the base and four inches in height. The size of each side ofthe base can vary between ½ inch to 12 inches. The height of thecontainer can vary between ½ inch to 12 inches. FIGS. 1-4 illustratevarious sized containers having various novelty expressions.

Another embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a noveltycontainer. The method comprises: providing a container having a closure;providing a reflective surface to a bottom of the novelty container; andproviding instructions on the closure, the instructions requesting orimplying the opening of a closure for a novelty purpose. In oneembodiment, a mirror is affixed to a bottom of the container via glue orsome other adhesive. In another embodiment, a reflective surface iscoated on the bottom of the container.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appendedclaims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which comewithin the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to beembraced within their scope.

1. A container, comprising: a storage area; at least one closure that isconfigured to provide access to the storage area, wherein the closurehas instructions instructing or implying that the storage area be viewedfor a novelty purpose; and a mirror having at least one reflectivesurface enclosed within the storage area, wherein the reflective surfaceof the mirror is positioned so as to reflect at least a part of a faceof an individual that opens the closure of the container, and whereinthe novelty purpose is satisfied when the individual views a reflectionof the individual in the mirror.
 2. The container of claim 1, whereinthe closure is removably attached to the storage area.
 3. The containerof claim 1, wherein the closure is pivotally attached to the storagearea.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the storage area comprisesfour walls and a bottom.
 5. The container of claim 4, wherein the mirroris affixed to the bottom of the container.
 6. The container of claim 5,wherein the mirror is affixed to the bottom of the container at anangle.
 7. A container, comprising: a storage area; at least one closurethat is configured to provide access to the storage area, wherein theclosure has instructions instructing or implying that the storage areabe viewed for a novelty purpose; and a reflective surface enclosedwithin the storage area, wherein the reflective surface is positioned toreflect at least a part of a face of an individual that opens theclosure of the container.
 8. The container of claim 7, wherein theclosure is removably attached to the storage area.
 9. The container ofclaim 7, wherein the closure is pivotally attached to the storage area.10. The container of claim 7, wherein the storage area comprises fourwalls and a bottom.
 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the mirror isaffixed to the bottom of the container.
 12. The container of claim 7,wherein the mirror is affixed to the bottom of the container at anangle.
 13. The container of claim 7, wherein the novelty purpose issatisfied when an individual views a reflection of the mirror.
 14. Amethod of manufacturing a novelty container, comprising: providing acontainer having a closure; providing a reflective surface to a bottomof the novelty container; and providing instructions on the closure, theinstructions requesting or implying the storage area be viewed for anovelty purpose.
 15. A container, comprising: a storage area; at leastone closure that is configured to provide access to the storage area,wherein the closure has a motivational expression; and a mirror havingat least one reflective surface enclosed within the storage area,wherein the reflective surface of the mirror is positioned so as toreflect at least a part of a face of an individual that opens theclosure of the container, and wherein a hidden meaning of themotivational expression is revealed when the individual views areflection of the individual in the mirror.